Ulster contract extensions tie Baloucoune, McNabney and Hopes down to 2029

Ulster have secured the futures of three players. Robert Baloucoune, James McNabney and Joe Hopes have all signed new deals that keep them at the province until at least the summer of 2029.

The province's general manager, Rory Best, welcomed the news. "We are delighted to have secured the futures of Rob, James and Joe," he said.

McNabney's new contract comes at a good time for the 23-year-old back-rower. Andy Farrell has called him up to the Ireland squad for the November Nations Championship fixtures, and the selection follows a long spell out. McNabney missed the whole of last season with a serious knee injury before making his return for Ulster.

"Everyone here was delighted to see James called up to the Ireland squad after the adversity he faced coming back from a long-term knee injury," Best said.

Hopes was the 2022 Ulster Schools player of the year and made his senior debut for the province in 2023, aged 19. He came off the bench in Ulster's Challenge Cup win over Zebre Parma earlier in October.

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